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Cheesy Potatoes (Funeral Potatoes) Recipe

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5 from 131 reviews

Cheesy Potatoes, also known as Funeral Potatoes, is a comforting, creamy casserole made with shredded hash brown potatoes, a rich cheese blend, and a flavorful cream sauce. Topped with a buttery, crunchy cornflake crust, this baked dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a hearty side for any meal. The combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses gives it a melty, savory depth, while the cream sauce adds lusciousness and moisture, making every bite indulgent yet satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Mixture

  • 32 ounces diced or shredded hash brown potatoes, defrosted
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups sour cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Cream Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cornflake Topping

  • 2 cups crushed cornflakes
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Combine Cheeses: In a small bowl, mix the grated sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together until well combined. Set aside two cups of this cheese mixture for the potato filling, reserving the remainder for topping.
  3. Prepare Potatoes: Place the defrosted hash brown potatoes in a very large mixing bowl. Toss them with 4 tablespoons of melted butter, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to coat evenly.
  4. Add Sour Cream and Cheese: Stir the sour cream and two cups of the combined cheese mixture into the potatoes until everything is well incorporated. Set this mixture aside.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  7. Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Then gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
  8. Combine Sauce and Potatoes: Pour the cream sauce over the potato mixture and gently fold the ingredients together to combine thoroughly but carefully to keep some texture.
  9. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy potato mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Evenly spread the remaining cheese mixture over the top.
  10. Prepare Cornflake Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with 4 tablespoons melted butter, tossing until the cornflakes are fully coated.
  11. Top and Bake: Spread the buttery cornflake topping evenly over the layer of cheese in the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  12. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cornflake topping is golden brown and crispy.
  13. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let it set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Using defrosted frozen hash browns works perfectly and saves prep time.
  • For extra flavor, smoked paprika can be added to the cream sauce.
  • You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Be careful not to overmix the potato mixture to keep some texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it slice better and improves texture.

Keywords: cheesy potatoes, funeral potatoes, casserole, hash browns, comfort food, cheesy casserole, holiday side dish

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/cheesy-potatoes-funeral-potatoes-recipe/